Progressive rockers HAKEN are set to release their seventh studio album ‘Fauna’ on the 3rd March 2023, the group’s most genre-busting and conceptually fascinating album to date.
The band celebrate Valentine’s Day with the launch of their latest single ‘Lovebite’. Watch the video now here.
Ross Jennings says this about the track:
“What better song to put out on this fine valentine’s day than one about the Black Widow Spider mating ritual… This is the Phil Collins inspired upbeat love song in 11/8 with Cannibal Corpse inspired lyrics that you never knew you needed!”
Haken kick off their Europe/UK tour with Between the Buried and Me next week. Tickets and Info here.
Tokyo’s death metal trailblazer DEFILED will be releasing a brand new album, ‘The Highest Level,’ on April 28, 2023 via Season of Mist! The album art, tracklist, and details can be found below! To celebrate this announcement, the band is now sharing the pummeling first single, “Off-Limits,” along with a music video! The clip is available at THIS LOCATION.
Founding member and frontman Yusuke Hamada comments, “We’re very happy to unveil the announcement of our upcoming album, ‘The Highest Level.’ First of all, please take a look at our PV, ‘Off-Limits.’ It’s the first track from the album and it’s a very straightforward tune for headbanging. If you like it, stay tuned for our new album. We think it won’t disappoint you. Thank you very much!”
‘The Highest Level’ can be pre-ordered HERE and pre-saved on streaming services HERE.
Moreover, 2023 marks a seminal year for DEFILED as it celebrates three decades since the release of their first demo and twenty years since the Japanese death dealers formed a union with Season of Mist!
The band will be celebrating this release with a headlining tour of Japan starting from April 28 until it concludes on May 10. Then, then band will join HATE and VADER for three Japanese dates in June. The full itinerary can be found below!
The artwork for ‘The Highest Level’ was created by Wes Benscoter.
Track-list: 1. Off-limits (02:35) [WATCH] 2. Stealth (03:11) 3. The Highest Level (03:17) 4. Entrapped (03:16) 5. The Status Quo (02:32) 6. Warmonger (02:37) 7. Demonization (03:29) 8. Inquisition (03:39) 9. Madness Accelerated (02:11) 10. Delusion (02:54) 11. Only the Strongest Survive (02:54) 12. Red World (04:06) 13. The Last Straw (03:25) 14. Requiem (02:43) 15. The Speech (00:36) Total (43:17)
DEFILED Live Dates (Japan 2023): 28 Apr 23 Yokohama (JP) El Puente 29 Apr 23 Tokyo (JP) Earthdom 30 Apr 23 Sendai (JP) Solfa 01 May 23 Koriyama (JP) Peak Action 02 May 23 Niigata (JP) Flower Pop 03 May 23 Nagano (JP) The Venue 04 May 23 Nagoya (JP) Daytrive 05 May 23 Kyoto (JP) Trust 06 May 23 Osaka (JP) Hokage 07 May 23 Takamatsu (JP) Toonice 08 May 23 Syunan (JP) Rise 09 May 23 Fukuoka (JP) Reflex 10 May 23 Okayama (JP) Ark 09 Jun 23 Tokyo (JP) WWW (Vader + Hate) 10 Jun 23 Nagoya (JP) Holiday Next (Vader + Hate) 11 Jun 23 Osaka (JP) Zeela (Vader + Hate)
When it comes to straight-forward, bone-crushing death metal, Tokyo’s DEFILED delivers! ‘The Highest Level’ stays true to the traditional death metal formula, while the band’s gritty songwriting approach lends to its authenticity. DEFILED attempts to make no frills with this new full-length, instead speaking directly to the sensibility of old school death metal fanatics who are simply looking for some face-melting violence!
The early 90s was a crucial and formative time for death metal, a genre that started to predominantly emerge in the west with bands like Decide, Cannibal Corpse, Autopsy, Obituary, and Morbid Angel having a stronghold on America while Entombed, Cadaver, Carcass, and many others started to make waves in Europe and the U.K. But across the vast Pacific Ocean, DEFILED was taking a cue from its peers and became one of Asia’s leading purveyors during the genre’s early inception.
Upon releasing a series of demos and EPs during the mid-90s, the Japanese powerhouse finally released its first full-length, ‘Erupted Wrath,’ via Nightfall Records. Upon its release, the band broke out of Asia and started to make its debut in America across the extreme metal fest circuit – performing twice at Milwaukee Metal Fest as well as appearing at November to Dismember in Texas.
The band kept busy during the turn of the century while continuing to build their profile and dominate metal audiences around the globe and by 2003, they formed a union with Season of Mist, where the band has become one of the label’s most consistent death metal mainstays. Since then, the band has released six full-length albums, the majority of which are under the Season of Mist banner.
As the band celebrates thirty years since its legacy was formed, they are ready to unleash another pummelling offering onto the masses. ‘The Highest Level’ still carries the same time-tested formula that Defiled established three decades ago, remaining true to their identity, and still carrying the torch as one of the genre’s founding fathers.
NONPOINT released their new single “Heartless” to all major platforms. The song was produced by Chris Collier, the mind behind Korn’s #1 album on Top Hard Rock Albums on Billboard, and released on Nonpoint’s independent record label, 361 Degrees Records.
“’Ruthless’ introduced you to a dark, re-imagined Tinman. Our new single ‘Heartless’ will give you a peek inside the emptiness that drives his rusted cogs toward his target, Emerald City,” says the band’s frontman Elias Soriano.
South Florida-based rock band Nonpoint, has been captivating audiences with their energetic sound and passionate performances for over two decades. Formed in 1997, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of what modern rock can be, combining heavy metal, nu-metal, and hard rock into a unique and powerful musical force. Over the course of their 20-year career, Nonpoint has released several critically acclaimed albums and garnered a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the industry.
Throughout their career, Nonpoint has been celebrated for their signature sound and powerful lyrics, which often tackle social and political issues. Their hard-hitting sound and emotional live performances have earned them a dedicated fanbase, as well as recognition from the music industry. Nonpoint has received multiple award nominations and has been praised by publications such as Rolling Stone, Revolver, and Alternative Press.
Nonpoint’s impressive career is a testament to their talent and longevity in the constantly evolving world of rock music. With the Emerald Cities Tour and the upcoming release of “Heartless,” the band is poised for even greater success and continued growth. For those who have been fans for years, or those discovering Nonpoint for the first time, the Emerald Cities Tour and the release of the title track from their upcoming EP Heartless promise to be unforgettable experiences.
Attention rock/metal music fans! Follow the yellow brick road to The Emerald Cities Tour, featuring Nonpoint with special guests Blacktop Mojo and Sumo Cyco. This all immersive “Twisted Wizard of Oz” themed tour will transport you from the second you walk in the venue with visuals and amazing live performances that are sure to have you pitting in the mynical streets of Munchkinland!
The tour will be traveling through their top cities, including Virginia Beach, Houston, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and Tampa (Ybor City). This is your chance to take a musical journey and witness the critically acclaimed live shows of Nonpoint, Blacktop Mojo, and Sumo Cyco firsthand. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rock out in the Land of Oz.. Get your tickets now before they’re all gone!
Additionally you’ll have the chance to gain access to watch them soundcheck, get autographs, early access to the venue and merchandise, snap some pics with the band in front of the stage, then make your way to THEIR TOUR BUS to listen to unreleased demos from 1997, demos they’re currently working on and be a part of the music making process as one of their VIPs, because after listening you get to vote on which songs Nonpoint should work on next to release to the public. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
2023 The Emerald Cities Tour Dates:
March 2nd – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27 March 3rd – Fredericksburg, VA @ Hard Times Four Mile Park March 4th – Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligans March 5th – Greensboro, NC @ Hangar 1819 March 7th – Johnson City, TN @ Capones March 8th – Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero March 10th – Tampa, FL @ The Ritz Ybor March 11th – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room March 12th – Jacksonville, FL @ Underbelly March 14th – Chattanooga, TN @ Barrelhouse Ballroom March 15th – Nashville, TN @ Basement East March 17th – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Hell) March 18th – Biloxi, MS @ Point Cadet Plaza March 19th – Little Rock, AR @ Rev Room March 21st – Lawrence, KS @ Bottleneck March 22nd – Tulsa, OK @ Vanguard March 24th – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live March 25th – Dallas, TX @ Trees March 26th – San Antonio, TX @ Rock Box
There is no doubt about saying that the band from Goiás, SUNROAD, is one of the most relevant names in the melodic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal scene in all of South America. After all, they have a 20-year career, eight albums released, concerts in various regions of Brazil and other countries in South America, alongside great artists such as Joe Lynn Turner, Petra, Stryper, L.A. Guns, Whitecross, Narnia, etc.
The band’s 8th studio album and first to feature Steph Honde (Scream Taker, Hollywood Monsters) “Walking The Hemispheres”, was nominated for the Dynamite Independent Music Award as one of the “Best Rock Albums of 2021”. Soon after the band started work on Sunesthesia. The album has a very fine and sophisticated melodic hard rock sound, such as UFO, Whitesnake, Michael Schenker Group to name a few. Artwork was created by Tristan Greatrex (UFO, MSG, Vinnie Moore, Lionheart, etc…), and the album features guests such as Ronnie Romero (MSG, Rainbow), Carl Dixon(Coney Hatch, The Guess Who, April Wine), Michael T. Ross (Hardline, Lita Ford). The first single “Speed Warning #1” features vocals by Rainbow vocalist Ronnie Romero.
As drummer Fred Mika states, “Speed Warning #1, as the name says, is one of the fastest and louder Sunroad songs ever, we wanted a very energetic song to be the album opening track, so we worked in a way to provoke something with such strong feeling from the listeners. I had an idea for classical intro and then, and then sudden fast riffs come, as well Steph composed the guitar harmonies and those fast, louder riffs and catchy choruses.”
The album has 12 tracks in total and features a host of guests to add to the core line up of Steph Honde – vocals, keyboards, guitars, Van Alexandre – lead guitars, JP Costa – rhythm guitars, vocals, Gui N Silva – bass guitars, and Fred Mika – drums. As Mika continues, “Also, we had the idea of contacting prominent artists everywhere to take part on this, as Chilian singer, Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Sunstorm, MSG), which divides vocals on duet with Steph. Also, American keyboardist Michael T Ross (Lita Ford, Raiding Rock Vault, Hardline), Canadian bassist Ronnie Robson (Hollywood Monsters) and Brazilian lead guitarist Rafael Milhomem (BaRok, ex-Sunroad). I guess with this all we got perfect timing on captive vibrations from many good musicians from everywhere.”
Tracklist: Speed Warning #1 Long Ago Scanning Skies Drown Sink Your Teeth Into Me By Any Means Pieces Of Fantasy Screen Screw Hit And Run A.S.A.P. (I Might Not Come Tomorrow) We Watch The Sparks Fly Only My Soul
Bundle Includes:
1 (One) – Sunroad – “Sunesthesia” CD 1 (One) – Sunroad – Logo T-Shirt 1 (One) – Sunroad – Logo Sticker
“Trench of Loneliness” – the fourth album of ITERUM NATA, a psychedelic folk-rock project by The Abbey frontman and former Hexvessel guitarist Jesse Heikkinen – was released on February 10, 2023. Today he presents a music video for the song “My Name is Sorrow”.
Jesse commented:
I asked the director, Anne-Mari Musturi, which song she wanted to do; immediately, her answer was “My Name is Sorrow”. This track is about coming to terms with the fact that life is filled with tragedy. It’s a story about someone who must decide whether to accept and integrate sorrow as a part of his life – or to fight against it and eventually lose.
Sorrow is one of the most beautiful, powerful, and terrifying feelings there is. If you try to ignore her, she will devour and ruin you. When she calls, you better welcome her and her ghosts with arms wide open.
“Trench of Loneliness” is the fourth album of Iterum Nata – a psychedelic folk-rock project by Finnish multi-instrumentalist Jesse Heikkinen, who is also active with The Abbey. While the music of Iterum Nata is occasionally upbeat, the general atmosphere has more in common with neo-folk than Jesse’s former band: Hexvessel, for whom he played lead guitar for five years. All aspects of Iterum Nata are profoundly inspired by the pagan worldview, esotericism, and the dark regions of the human mind; the result is something that could easily pass as the bastard offspring of Rome, Tenhi, Of the Wand & the Moon, Linda Perhacs, Espers, and early King Crimson.
“Trench of Loneliness” was recorded at Studio Beyond North Star. With the exception of Hiski Pajuniemi’s appearance on tin whistle, Jesse handled everything – from the composition to tracking and mixing – entirely by himself.
From the depths of Valhalla, the mighty WARKINGS rise once again, together with the dark sorceress Morgana Le Fay. The freshly crowned Top 10-charting band just returned from the biggest tour of their career with one of the biggest bands in modern heavy metal, POWERWOLF. Now, they present a new official video, crafted with content from that tour, which was attended by more than 100,000 ecstatic fans across Europe. For everyone that missed the tour, the warriors will fight back with FEUERSCHWANZ on their upcoming tour this spring!
Morgana on the new video “Heart Of Rage”: “While marching into battle with thousands of Warkings Warriors; I rose from the darkest age and brought my agony to the stage – because only you could heal my heart of rage. Sing with me.”
It is with great pleasure that Napalm Records has extended their worldwide contract with the mighty WARKINGS! Starting from zero, the mighty warriors hail as a Top 10-charting band after only five years in the world of the living!
WARKINGS state: “The Allfather sent us to Napalm Records when we first came back to life. Together we started our crusade and built an army of great and loyal fans, And now we renewed our contract with these fine warriors and shield maidens. It’s written in blood and the ravens will spread the word. We will ride into battle with the best support we’ve ever had.”
Napalm Records CEO Thomas Caser adds: “We are thrilled to continue our relationship with one of the hottest up and coming Metal acts currently – WARKINGS! We will continue the battles and the building of a great Metal-Empire! A-hu!”
WARKINGS Memento Mori Tour 2023 w/ Feuerschwanz * + Angus McSix ** + The Dark Side Of The Moon 12.04.23 AT – Linz / Posthof 13.04.23 AT – Vienna / Simm City – SOLD OUT! 14.04.23 AT – Graz / Orpheum 15.04.23 DE – Munich / Backstage – SOLD OUT! 19.04.23 CH – Pratteln / Z7* 20.04.23 DE – Frankfurt / Batschkapp* – SOLD OUT! 21.04.23 DE – Saarbrücken / Garage* 22.04.23 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann* – SOLD OUT! 27.04.23 DE – Hamburg / Markthalle – SOLD OUT! 28.04.23 DE – Hamburg / Markthalle – SOLD OUT! 29.04.23 DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle – SOLD OUT! 30.04.23 DE – Nuremberg / Löwensaal – SOLD OUT! 05.05.23 DE – Leipzig / Felsenkeller 06.05.23 DE – Berlin / Huxleys 11.05.23 DE – Bremen / Aladin** 12.05.23 DE – Hanover / Capitol** – SOLD OUT! 13.05.23 DE – Cologne / Carlswerk** – SOLD OUT! 14.05.23 DE – Oberhausen / Turbinenhalle** – ADDITIONAL SHOW!
WARKINGS are: Tribune – War Chant Crusader – Steelwing Spartan – War Drums Viking – Battle Axe Morgana le Fay – Unholy Evocations
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Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
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Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 